Pre Kaged Pre Workout Review

L-Citrulline 6.5 Grams (Fermented)

L-citrulline and l-citrulline malate have quickly become the backbones of quality pre workout supplements.

Both forms of citrulline have been found to raise nitric oxide levels better than straight l-arginine (2).

However, in the debate between l-citrulline and citrulline malate there are two factors to consider:

1. Citrulline malate has more research backing its ability to improve performance (3)(4).
2. Straight l-citrulline tastes better than citrulline malate does.

Basically: Gethin’s 6.5 gram dosage is spot-on and powerful.  However its typically chosen because it tastes less acidic – L-citrulline is great, but not superior to l-citrulline malate.

QU995 Quercetin Anhydrous 200 milligrams

Quercetin, is a powerful anti-oxidant that has been found to improve mitochondrial function and general health and performance (5)(6).

Kaged Muscle discusses this anti-oxidant effect, however, doesn’t comment on the fact that this ingredient is in the pump category on the label.

For overall health reasons, we’re happy to see this ingredient. However, there are a few recent studies that suggest quercetin supplementation does not effect athletic performance or recovery (7)(8).

Basically: Gethin including Quercetin as an accessory to the SPECTRA complex would be cool, but its presence in the pump category or suggesting it improves performance isn’t quite there (from a hyper-critical BWSB perspective).

BCAA Muscle Fuel Matrix (2:1:1) 3.5 grams

The value of amino acids during intense exercise and dieting has been of fierce debate for quite some time (9).

While reviewing the best BCAA powders, we explained that BCAAs taken before exercise and alongside pre workouts can improve performance and overall aesthetic goals.

While the dosage of 3.5 grams may seem low to some, when in combination with other pre workout ingredients, we expect nothing but beneficial effects (10).

Basically: Gethin wants to increase endurance and reduce mental fatigue using BCAAs, similar to Jim Stoppani’s Pre Jym and Transparent Labs BULK pre workouts achieve.

Leucine Anabolic Activator 3 grams

Clearly, Kris is a believer in the powerful anabolic effects of Leucine (11).

Including this in Pre Kaged really wasn’t necessary, as most pre workouts do not.

However, from his background and experience – clearly it meant something to him.

Basically: Including 3 grams of leucine was a personal experience based decision for increasing the anabolic nature of Pre Kaged.

Strength and Power Matrix:

• Beta-alanine 1.6 grams: As you should already know, this is not a clinically effective dosage of beta-alanine.
• Betaine Anhydrous 2 grams: Improves strength and performance in athletes over time. This dosage is good.
• Creatine HCL 1.5 grams: A hefty dose of a powerful ingredient. The creatine hcl in Pre Kaged defines the product and brings forward most of the strength gains.

Basically: While formulating Pre Kaged, they couldn’t afford to put in enough beta-alanine – but nailed the betaine and creatine hcl dosages.

Hydrate and Defend 600 milligrams

• Coconut Powder 500 mg: May improve endurance and hydration.
• SPECTRA 100 mg: may improve anti-oxidant ability, but 100 mg… Most likely included for coloring. You can learn more about SPECTRA from Futureceuticals here.

Basically: The hydrate and defend blend in Pre Kaged really doesn’t get us going.

Neuro-Focus Matrix

• Taurine 2 grams: While taurine may improve cognitive focus and energy, its often supplemented with to maintain balance with beta-alanine. furthermore, may improve cellular hydration.
• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine 1 gram: Effective for improving focus.
• L-Tyrosine 850 mg: Different form, same purpose.
• PurCaf Caffeine 274 mg: A ‘natural’ form of caffeine from the green coffee bean.

Basically: The stimulant and focus complex in Pre Kaged is extremely effective considering it does not contain l-theanine or Mucuna Pruriens. We liked it.